LS 3770 - Literacy I: Literacy/Language Development in Emergent and Beginning Literacy

This course addresses language and literacy development processes in emergent and beginning readers and writers in pre-K through 3rd grade classrooms. Studying proficient readers’ use of the reading/writing processes, students (teacher candidates) will learn how to support young learners’ first experiences in bringing meaning to print. Students will focus on the symbolic system of written language including the four cueing systems: phonemic and morphemic (phonics) semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic. Students will explore social, cultural, and dynamic nature of language and how these factors influence young learners’ literacy instructional needs. Students will learn to select multiple materials and assessments to identify young learners’ strengths, and needs, and engage in best practices to address these needs based on learners’ strengths. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with parents and colleagues about young learners’ developing progress. A field placement is required with this course. Students are to successfully complete a 6-9 hour, over three sessions, group placement in a Kindergarten-3^rd grade classroom as arranged by the course instructor in collaboration with the clinic director. This course includes Michigan Framework standards as well as Michigan Literacy Progress Profile modules (MLPP) for grades K-3. Designed for students seeking K-8 certification. Program requires a grade of “CB” or better. May repeat course one time only.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: ED 3090 or ED3100, with a grade of “CB” or better in all prerequisites. These prerequisites may be taken concurrently.

Credits: 3 hours

Restrictions: Restricted to majors in education.